Wisconsin has one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States. The crude rate is about 2.1 to 2.2 divorces per 1,000 residents. The refined rate, per 1,000 married women, is around 10.8, placing the state among the five lowest nationally. Both measures indicate strong marital stability compared to most states. Apparently, Wisconsinites prefer cheese curds over breaking up.
The median length of marriage in Wisconsin is about 22.7 years. This includes both ongoing and ended marriages. So, Wisconsinites really stick around—long enough to wonder if marriage should come with a loyalty badge.
| Age Group (Years) | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key Wisconsin/National Trend Observations | Wisconsin Overall Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–24 | 19.7 | Highest risk rate nationally. Divorce is most likely for those who marry young. | 10.8 per 1,000 married women (Refined Rate, 2024) |
| 25–34 | 16.3 | High rate, though rates are dropping for younger generations nationally due to later marriage. | 2.1 per 1,000 total population (Crude Rate, 2020) |
| 35–44 | 14.9 | Marriages that last the median duration (8 years) often end in divorce for individuals in this age bracket. | Longest marriages: Wisconsin has one of the longest average marriage durations before divorce (22.7 years) |
| 45–54 | 14.1 | Stable rate, slightly lower than younger groups. | |
| 55–64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; the rate for this older group has risen significantly since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | Lowest rate, but fastest-growing demographic for divorce since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in Wisconsin in 2025
- One of the Lowest Divorce Rates in the U.S. Wisconsin consistently ranks among the bottom five states for refined divorce rates, with roughly 10.8 divorces per 1,000 married women.
- Pure No-Fault Divorce. Wisconsin allows divorce solely on the basis that the marriage is irretrievably broken. No wrongdoing needs to be proven — because nothing says “marriage over” like a state that refuses to hear gossip.
- Mandatory 120-Day Waiting Period. After the respondent is served, a minimum 120-day wait is required before the court can finalize the divorce.
- Strict Community Property Rules. Wisconsin divides all marital property 50/50 by default. Judges may deviate only with clear statutory justification — truly a romantic “share everything equally” finale.
- Fault Rarely Matters Financially. Misconduct like adultery generally does not affect property division or alimony unless it harms children or involves wasting marital money.
- Six-Month Ban on Re-Marriage. After the divorce is final, both parties must wait six months to remarry anywhere. The state really wants to make sure you’re not sprinting back down the aisle.
- Dual Residency Requirement. One spouse must live in Wisconsin for 6 months, and in the filing county for 30 days, before filing for divorce.
Divorce Rate in Wisconsin in 2024
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates Nationally. In 2024, Wisconsin reported 2.0 divorces per 1,000 residents, well below the national average of about 2.5.
- Low Refined Divorce Rate. Wisconsin also reported a 10.8 per 1,000 married women refined divorce rate, keeping it firmly among the lowest in the country. Because nothing says “marital bliss” like a state where almost nobody files the paperwork.
- Pure No-Fault Divorce. The only requirement is stating the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Fault – adultery, cruelty, or any other soap-opera material – plays no role in getting the divorce.
- Community Property State (50/50 Split). All marital assets and debts are presumed to be divided equally. Judges can deviate only in rare hardship situations. Ah yes, the classic Wisconsin tradition: even the breakup snacks must be split evenly.
- Mandatory 120-Day Waiting Period. After serving the papers, spouses must wait at least 120 days before the court can finalize the divorce.
- Six-Month Remarriage Ban. Once divorced, neither party may remarry anywhere for six months. Any marriage attempted during this time is void. Wisconsin’s way of saying: “Slow down, champ – maybe try being single for a minute.”
- Marital Fault Doesn’t Affect Property or Custody. Misconduct like infidelity generally doesn’t influence property division, custody, or placement decisions.
- Joint Legal Custody Presumed. Courts start from the assumption that shared decision-making is best for minor children.
Divorce Rate in Wisconsin in 2023
- Low Crude Divorce Rate. In 2023, Wisconsin reported 2.1 divorces per 1,000 residents, keeping it well below the national average of about 2.5.
- Among the Lowest Refined Divorce Rates. The refined rate was 10.7 divorces per 1,000 married women, placing Wisconsin among the five lowest states. Apparently, Wisconsin couples stay together… or at least avoid paperwork.
- Total Divorces Recorded. The state documented 12,312 divorces in 2023 (excluding annulments).
- Mandatory 120-Day Waiting Period. Divorces require a minimum 120-day wait after serving the papers before a judge can finalize anything. A built-in timeout so you can really think about how much you enjoy being married.
- Pure No-Fault Divorce. The only requirement is stating that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” No wrongdoing needs to be proven.
- Misconduct May Affect Alimony or Custody. While fault isn’t needed to get the divorce, judges may consider misconduct when deciding alimony or custody if it clearly harmed the family. So no, cheating won’t stop the divorce – but it might stop your wallet from staying full.
- Community Property State (50/50 Split). Marital property is presumed to be divided equally. A judge can deviate only with strong justification.
- Six-Month Ban on Remarriage. After the divorce is final, neither spouse may remarry anywhere for six months.